Join us for the next zoomcast on wed June 10th at 7pm registration open now

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”

My name is Karen Sandone, and my husband, Anthony, was diagnosed with Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 55 in September 2023, after nearly two years of searching for answers. Hearing those words — “It’s Alzheimer’s” — changed our lives in an instant.

Like so many couples, we had dreams of what our future would look like — retiring together, traveling, and spending time with our six grown children and our two beautiful grandbabies. But those plans shifted the day we received Anthony’s diagnosis.

Now, two years later, our family has chosen to share our story — not because it’s easy, but because we know how many others are walking this same path. Through honesty and connection, we hope to raise awareness, offer understanding, and help others feel a little less alone.

I’m honored to serve as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association and as a Congressional Advocate with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, fighting for increased funding and better resources for families living with this disease.

We are truly on this journey together — learning, grieving, and finding grace and purpose along the way.

You can find me FB: klsandone

IG: ksandone and anthony_vs_alzheimers

tik tok: ksandone and Tonystok

www.linktr.ee/survivingthenow.endalz 

“Everything you need, your courage, strength, compassion and love; everything you need is already within you.”

 Welcome! My name is Eileen Ware, mom to 2 amazing sons, Jake and Cole. My husband, Steve, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in June 2021 at the age of 54. After a courageous battle lasting 4.5 years, he passed away in January 2025 from Younger Onset Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body dementia.  Steve had retired from a successful 25 year law enforcement career at 50. It took nearly a year to receive his diagnosis after we began noticing signs in 2019/2020 during the Covid pandemic. At that time, our sons were just 10 and 13. Steve was an exceptional husband and father who always prioritized our family, coaching our boys in sports and cheering them on at their games.  

Juggling caregiving alongside full-time work, parenting, and managing household and financial responsibilities was overwhelming. However, we have been blessed with immense love and support from family, friends, and our incredible community.  

I actively participate in the Walk 2 End Alzheimer’s, serve as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association, and advocate at the congressional level for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement. My mission is to fight for funding and resources to support families affected by this disease. Transforming my pain into purpose has been a significant part of my healing journey.  It truly takes a village, and I am grateful to help others on their journey through Surviving the Now. 

 Connect with me: Facebook: eileen.faulknerware 

 Instagram: canesrn14 LinkedIn: Eileen Ware MSN

My name is Becca O’Neil and my husband Charlie was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's  in Nov 2023. Charlie carries two genetic markers that have disqualified him for the Leqembi infusions. He was placed on Donepezil and we did see immediate improvement in his cognitive ability and executive functioning. Today with some additional medications Charlie is stable and stage 4 on the FAST scale. Recently he has been experiencing symptoms of Aphasia.

Receiving a terminal diagnosis for our family was absolutely devastating. The reality was that he had lost his job four months prior (he was a software sales executive for 25 years) and we lost access to long-term disability. Dealing with both a health crisis and a financial crisis at the same time has definitely reshaped the landscape of our lives. 

My hope is that by sharing our journey here, we can create a space where others facing similar challenges feel seen, supported, and less alone. We live in Newport, RI and have two children in their early 20s.

you can find me 

FB: beekind

IG: Becca603

My name is Cheri Davies and my husband Chris was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s in June 2019 just a month before he turned 52. He had retired from a 20 year law enforcement career and  we were living a terrific life in upstate NY. Our son was just finishing his first year of college. They are incredibly close, and Chris is a great dad. Chris was very active, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and it was devastating to watch his interests slowly fading away . 

Chris started showing symptoms about two years before the diagnosis but it shocking to hear the words Alzheimer’s at our age. He initially took Aricept and that stalled the early progression of symptoms but only for about 7 months. Some of the drug options out there not were not available when he was still in the early stages. He is in stage 6 of the FAST scale. Moderate severe is the category . His disease has progressed much faster in the past 6 months and it’s devastating to go through, but we are fortunate to have a community around us of family and friends.  

You can find me IG: Cdaviesalz

 tik tok: Fishcreek1996

www.linktr.ee/cheridavies